An Overdue Update

Ok, ok...I get the message!  Four people told me this week that I needed to update my blog.  I'm sorry I've been so out of touch lately.  I can't believe that I haven't written since before Halloween.  It is amazing how fast time flies...even when you aren't having fun.

In a nutshell, the last two months have been busy and exhausting.  Here is an update of what has been happening:

Ian

Ian is so much fun to be around these days (well, most days).  He can sing several songs including Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Jingle Bells.  I am quickly told, "No sing, mommy" if I try to sing along (just one of the many orders he issues to me daily).  He is currently obsessed with all things Thomas or anything resembling a train.  He likes to create trains out of legos, remote controls, slippers, etc.  He also loves Santa--the idea of him and the actual dude himself.  He has seen him three times now and sat on his lap twice.  The last time was when Santa rolled into Edison Park on the train.  Santa + train = 1 ridiculously happy little boy.

He might be graduating to a big boy bed soon as he climbed out of his crib last week.  He landed smoothly but it made me sufficiently nervous to consider a new set up for bed time.  He is also using the potty occasionally.  He started out with a bang a few months ago but quickly lost interest.  One of the goals for 2010 is to spend more time on potty training.

The littlest things make Ian happy.  Anything that he likes is at risk of being showered with numerous kisses.  Besides the obvious targets of Mommy, Claire, and Tante, he has bestowed many a kiss on the cat, his trains, the Christmas tree, the KitchenAid mixer, several books and his Little People farmer.  His new favorite phrase is, "Sliking (insert adored object here)."  For those who don't speak toddlerish, that means, "I like...."  Last week, we visited the Evanston Library where Chris used to work.  When I told Ian we were going to see Daddy's friends, he smiled and said, "Sliking daddy....much."  My sweet boy.

Claire

Claire is becoming a force to be reckoned with (heads up, Ian!).  She no longer stands idly by while Ian takes toys from her.  Shrieking and swatting are her most effective strategies.  She loves electronics and a lot of time is spent pulling her away from lure of the entertainment center.  She claps her hands, can do "so big", gives five, waves hello and goodbye, points at everything, and has taken a few steps.  She enjoys books, pretending to talk on the phone and her new baby doll.  It is hard to believe she will be 1 years old in two weeks.  She is already growing up too fast.

Mommy

I'm not going to lie.  Besides being busy and exhausted, I've definitely had some tough days recently.  This has made it hard to be motivated to write anything at the end of the day.  My pillow is usually calling out to me by 8:30 p.m.  I have also spent a lot of time planning a memorial concert for Chris (more on that below).

The first snowfall really took me back to last year when our nightmare began to unfold.  I'm reminded of all the trips back and forth to the hospital, neighbors coming to shovel our sidewalks, being shuttled around everywhere since no one would allow me to drive, crying until my eyes were unrecognizable and not being able to sleep for days.  The extra hours of darkness and cold weather add to the sadness.  And then there is the fact that it is the holiday season. Fa la la la la la la la la...

 

I'm doing the best I can for right now and am trying to cut myself some slack.  I'm taking advantage of any extra time and childcare I have to sleep or doing something else for myself.  I did take a birthday trip to a spa in November.  It was a nice respite from life for 48 hours.

You may have been wondering but haven't wanted to ask how Weight Watchers has been going for me.  It was going great for quite awhile and then I kind of derailed.  I haven't lost nearly the amount of weight I originally wanted to by now.  But, I still weigh less than I did when I started and that is the point!  I am continuing to go to meetings even if the results aren't always good.  I just have to concentrate on making this part of my life going forward.

Finally, I was asked to be a guest writer again for the Widow's Voice blog.  My latest entry was posted today if you want to check it out.

Memorial Concert

In case you haven't heard, the St. Paul of the Cross choir will be performing a concert of holiday and sacred music to honor Chris's memory.  I will sing a couple of solos.  Chris's friends and I have put together a beautiful program and I am looking forward to the event.  It has taken a lot out of me though.  I of course want the afternoon to be perfect so I have been working overtime to make sure every detail is correct.

The concert will take place on Sunday, January 10th at 3:30 p.m. in the church.  Tickets are $10 each and all proceeds will benefit the American Brain Tumor Association.  You can reserve tickets by emailing memorialconcert@sbcglobal.net or you can buy tickets at the St. Paul of the Cross rectory during the week.  Please join us!

Pictures

Here is a link to some pictures of the kids.  Some of them are a few months old but cute just the same.  Enjoy!

I think that brings us up to date now.  Obviously, the next few weeks will be challenging for us.  December 21, 2008 was the last day of my old life.  I'll be very cognizant of that as I go through my day tomorrow.

As we enter the height of the holidays, I pray that you are blessed with many beautiful memories this year.

This is us without you, Chris.  We miss and slike you...much.